Peace Flag Ensemble return on their third LP with sharper focus and a wider lens. The record is their most canorous and their most accessible. The ambient free jazz collective’s early recordings were gauzy, percussion-less affairs where the piano was sparing and additional instrumentation was often textural, but on Everything Is Possible each member of the sextet finds space to shine while simultaneously lifting each other up. Hope, wonder, worry. Grief, love, fury. Joy, romance, time travel. ....Everything is possible.
The album centers around the improvisations of pianist Jon Neher. Following a short run of dates in Germany, Neher was struck by an observation that shaped the new record. His instrument had been receding to the background live in a way it didn’t have to – there was room to be more than just a vessel for the other players. As a result he steps forward on Everything Is Possible with more melodic and virtuosic moments.
Flugelhornist Dalton Lam and saxophonist Paul Gutheil’s lyrical playing sounds as though they’ve found comfort in each other’s company. They share exchanges like great conversationalists, and at times prove that silence is peak communication. Across the album, drummer Mike Thievin sits notably more present. His playing is restrained and subtle, but deceptively intricate as he anchors Travis Packer’s wayfaring electric bass.
The album was once again produced and mixed by ambient artist Michael Scott Dawson who contributes mazy guitars and electronics to the project. Dawson’s studio as an instrument approach lends a human touch to the affected and atmospheric elements. The result is as indebted to Tortoise in ‘99 as it is to Keith Jarrett in ‘75.
Everything Is Possible takes its name from a novelty tee shirt Dawson misread one bleary morning while racing through an airport.
credits
released February 7, 2025
This project is funded in part by FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters and Ontario Creates.
Ce projet est financé en partie par FACTOR, le gouvernement du Canada et les radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada et Ontario Creates
supported by 12 fans who also own “Everything Is Possible”
Unlike any other. Its feel is both reflective and down to earth, and the compositions are easily differentiated despite their relative shortness. Not only a pleasure to listen to, this album is rhythmically complex, but not in a maddening, hard to process way. Also, very clever album title. ianjworsomething
Compilation of field recordings captured across India between 2024 and 2025 benefiting the nonprofit IMRelief; includes supplemental photos. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 8, 2026
Bristling avant-rock from Sebastian Rochford, with pinpricks of guitar, free-jazz openness, and sudden bursts of velocity and melody. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 24, 2025